Here's another video for the musical I've created with my collaborator, Keith Doughty, based on The Goonies. We got mentions in /Film, Topless Robot, JoBlo.com, Cinematical, FilmDrunk, The Nerdist, Fandango, HeyUGuys!, IMDB - so that's awesome. Here's one of the videos, for "Piano Lessons." Lyrics and a recap of background info on the project after the jump!
In 2001, my college buddy, Keith Doughty, and I began working on a musical based on the seminal 80s film The Goonies. I had been raised on that film, quoting from pre-adolescence onward. I identified with the asthmatic protagonist who didn't fit in with others, especially his older sibling.
I was watching it for probably the thousandth time during one vacation, when the scene where Mikey is alone on the porch comes on and with it came inspiration. That was the moment I realized he should be breaking into song. Alack alas, I suck at musical things. I know how shit should be structured and sound, but I can't play any instruments and I'm mostly tone deaf. Enter Keith Doughty - brilliant musician and fellow nerd. This is a guy who can transcend all genres and also knows his way around a large assortment of instruments - truly impressive. He and I began crafting many songs together (although as the years wear on and we fade into grayness, our output has steadily declined).
"Piano Lessons" lyrics:
BRANDON
Here we are now, playing songs with bones.
DATA
Hurry they’re coming!
STEF
It can’t end here, so much left to do
MIKEY
We’re not gonna die here!
ANDY
I haven’t done this kinda thing in years
I don’t know how it all will turn out
ALL
Like Piano Lessons
MOUTH
We’re surrounded, Andy don’t you fail
(aside) she’s gonna kill us!
STEF
Just ignore him, we know that you’ll pull through!
BRANDON
Don’t you worry I’ll be right by your side
Keep on playing your fatal lullaby
When it’s over we’ll laugh to kill the time
STEF
Good job, Andy; now you’ve opened the door
MOUTH
Not all the way though…
DATA
We’ve got mobsters, and there’s holes in the floor
MIKEY
But we can still make it!
ANDY
Life shouldn’t hinge on just one note
When there’s so many wrong ones to play
ALL
Like Piano Lessons
STEF
You’ve remembered lessons from long ago
MOUTH
I can see light now!
DATA
One more measure and we’ll get to the gold
BRANDON
Don’t you worry I’ll be right by your side
Keep on playing your fatal lullaby
When it’s over we’ll laugh to kill the time